A novel MXene-based biofuel cell self-powered sensor for MUC1 detection in asthma diagnosis

This work developed a novel Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene-based biofuel cell self-powered sensor (M-BSPS) for the detection of the biomarker MUC1 in the saliva of asthmatic patients. The M-BSPS consisted of a CoNi-layered double hydroxides (LDH)/MXene-based anode and Ag-nanowires (NWs)/MXene-based cathode. The combination of MXene with Ag-NWs and CoNi-LDH nanosheets can reduce the self-restacking of MXene, which further improved the ion diffusion and electron transfer. Meanwhile, the high volumetric capacitance of MXene enabled the rapid storage and release of electric charge to ensure stable and repeatable detection. Therefore, the CoNi-LDH/MXene-based anode had excellent electrical conductivity and large specific surface area to reduce the oxidation potential of glucose for the electron generation. And the Ag-NWs/MXene-based cathode was designed as a sensing interface for MUC1 recognition. Based on the enhanced E OCV signals, the M-BSPS had excellent electrochemical detection of MUC1 with a detection range of 0.1-750 ng/mL and a detection limit of 65 pg/mL. In addition, the M-BSPS was successfully used to detect MUC1 in human saliva with recovery ranging from 89.58% to 112.2%. Importantly, this self-powered sensor had good stability, reproducibility and selectivity. It displayed great potential in point-of-care testing for early asthma diagnosis and disease monitoring. • A novel M-BSPS is developed for the detection of MUC1 in the saliva. • CoNi-LDH/MXene nanocomposites are prepared as the anode. • Ag-NWs/MXene-based cathode is designed as a sensing interface.